Friday, August 1, 2008

Being Brave

I am on week two of the Be Brave project and I want to sharea few insights. Some days I do 3 or 4 brave things and then somedays nothing comes up to challenge me. I figure it all evens out.How I am doing this, is: during the day if something I need or wantto do makes me feel uncomfortable I get quiet and listen, to figureout if it is fear or something else, like common sense :-). If it is fearI push through it and do it anyway. It always feels good. I think Icould become addicted to this. I can't believe almost two weeks havepassed already. Something else I have noticed, it can be the smallest,most normal things that scare me, like a making a phone call, or visitinga new friend. I am not sure why that is, but it feels good to overridethe fear. I encourage all of you to try it. You don't have to commit tothe project, but just try it out for yourself, the next time somethingcomes up that scares you. I promise it will enliven your life :-).Anything that helps you be less on auto pilot is a good thing.Happy Friday!

Dearest Annie, you seem to have live a challenging life. I have many fears and always push the boundaries on what I could overcome. The results : feeling of great accomplishment, all set for the next challenge...as long as it does not involve any sewing or baking, I'm in (most of the times) hahaha..big hugs always

Thanks for sharing this Annie. The biggest thing I did this Summer was gather a petition with my neighbours against a developer. I then had to research grounds for why this shouldn't go ahead according to the council's own policies, and read my speech to the whole Planning Committee. I seriously don't do public speaking, or strangers but I reached this place of utter calm way beyond fear where I knew I was doing the right things and I would kick myself if I let down those people who signed the petition. The utter elation when it was done was wonderful. I bought some kitchen scales, so whenever I use them, I remember that act of bravery.I think now you've given some examples of everyday bravery I'll have a go at making those calls I put off.

Annie you are inspiring. I like the distinction you make between fear causing the discomfort vs common sense. Sometimes it's hard to tell, but taking the time to sit with it seems to work for you. I'll try to remember that. I agree that life is best lived NOT on auto pilot. Blessings, suki

Robin-You are welcome :-).Sizzle-Go for it!Julie-Thanks.M.Kate-You ARE fearless.Melanie-Public speaking is scary! You are awesome :-).Suki-Sometimes it is easier than others to tell when it is really fear or just something not right for you to do.It's not always clear at first.

About Me

I am a painter living in the beautiful moutain town of Taos New Mexico.
Artist Statement:
I have been painting since I was eight years old when I declared to my mother that I wanted to be an artist. She promptly went out and bought me an oil set. Perhaps not the wisest choice for a child, but it got me started. I have been painting ever since and my way of working and what I paint has changed dramatically over the years. At this point in time I am working with mixed media on board and canvas. Nearly every image starts with a dream, either waking or sleeping. Other subjects that inform my work are literature and nature. Each painting is for me an adventure in color and texture,an exploration of joy and a way for me to get to know myself better. There is always a personal narrative and some hidden message that I am unaware of until it reveals itself in the finished piece. My paintings are about whatever is going on in my life at the time I am painting. My intention when I do a painting is to be true to my authentic voice and perhaps to open someone's heart and mind to all the possibilities around them.